Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) as Therapeutic Tool to Improve Cognitive Performance in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Children

Background

1% of children present a prenatal alcohol exposure related disorder. Prevalence of consumption increases every year. In a previous study in Barcelona, 45.5% of ethanol positive meconiums were detected, as a biomarker of maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The most serious clinical picture including facial, mental and cognitive disorders is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Spain is the second country in adoptions from East Europe, where the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is most important. The only prevention of FAS is avoiding consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and there is no treatment for its deleterious effects on neurodevelopment.

The flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a modulator of neuronal plasticity useful in other neurodevelopmental diseases. A recent study showed that EGCG is a promising tool for cognitive and health related quality of life improvement in Down's syndrome.

Objective To determine the efficacy of EGCG as a therapeutic candidate for the improvement of cognitive performance in FAS patients.

Methodology Pre and post study, non randomized, controlled and without placebo, to evaluate the efficacy of EGCG. It is a pilot study in a cohort of 40 FAS children, between 5 and 16 years old. An oral dose of 9 mg/Kg/day will be administered during 1 year, with three clinical assessments (at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) during the treatment period.